Ask the Best and Brightest: Is There Life After a '94 Camry?

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

Back in 1994, supremebrougham helped one of his old high school teachers shop for a car. [NB: “she’s really not old, she’s a vibrant and elegant 50-something that hasn’t changed a bit since the early 90’s.”] She ended-up buying a new Camry LE (not shown). And now she’s looking for another whip. She lives in central Florida (AWD need not apply) and she doesn’t want to spend over $30,000.

I have had an oil leak for about two years. A trust-worthy mechanic suggested I just let it go; just check and replenish the oil as needed. I just bought a new window motor, yet my locks are still unpredictable. Plus the passenger front handle broke off two weeks ago when a a passenger didn’t listen when I insisted that I needed time unlocking her door. I don’t want to put any more money into it. The lovely green machine has served me very well, but I am feeling just a tad unsure about taking it for rides entailing more than local traffic. What do you think of the CR-V or Rav4? Anything by Kia or Hyundai? I am not sure if I want a sedan or one of the little SUV’s. What do you think of the Camry hybrid? I have also noticed the good reviews on the Fusion lately!

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • B10er B10er on Nov 04, 2009

    I just love that in this age of automotive environmentalism, a solid car is replaced with a brand new one due to an oil drip and a worn-out window motor. I dare say that the environmental cost of manufacturing an entire brand new car, even if electric or hybrid, FAR outstrips the environmental costs of manufacturing a window motor and a few other misc. bits.

  • Supremebrougham Supremebrougham on Nov 04, 2009

    @B10er True, those problems in and of themselves do not mean that the whole car is on it's last legs, but in this day of two and three year leases and everyone always wanting the newest and best, I think that the fact she has kept the same car for fifteen years was being rather environmental. How many people do you know that are still driving 1994 model cars that they purchased new? I'm guessing not very many.

  • Supremebrougham Supremebrougham on Dec 13, 2009

    For those of you that might still be following this thread, she ended up buying a.....2010 Camry LE!!! In the end she just decided to stick with what she knows... On behalf of Mrs. Rybak, thanks to all of you for your advice!!! -Richard

    • Accs Accs on Dec 14, 2009

      My apologies to you and to her.. I can only wish she would have bought a car with: a bit more style, a bit more power.. and a bit more.. MORE. But I wouldnt have thought that she'd buy another CAMRY.. definately not a LE model. I can only hope I dont get trapped by being in the same car for too long.. eithout knowing what else is out there. So many cars.. and a Camry LE fits. DAMN. Well, if she is happy.. then so be it.

  • Supremebrougham Supremebrougham on Dec 15, 2009

    AccAzda...The only thing that I found kinda depressing is that she picked out a white one. Do you have any idea how many white cars there are in Florida??? Oh well, as long as she is happy...

    • Accs Accs on Dec 15, 2009

      I can only imagine parking lots as far as the eye can see.. of nothing but rental Sebrings, smatterings of 15-20yr old Honda Accords.. and more white paint on more Camries.. than should be legally allowed by the feds. God.. she could have had: Solara 5yr old 3series Conv. Scion tC G6 Conv. Sebring Conv. Heck (please lord dont strike me)... Wrangler. (like... omg like the commercials!) White Camry LE in the middle of Florida. Oh god.

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